Coaches Under the Most Pressure in the NBA for the 2024-25 Season

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NBA ODDS: Coaches Under the Most Pressure in the NBA for the 2024-25 Season

The NBA is a world of uncertainties, and coaches are no exception. With only five coaches who joined their teams before 2020, the environment is more volatile than ever. Despite their successes, some have been quickly fired, such as Mike Budenholzer from the Bucks and Monty Williams from the Pistons. Here are five coaches facing the most pressure this season.

1. Billy Donovan – Chicago Bulls

The situation in Chicago is confusing. After losing key players like Alex Caruso and DeMar DeRozan, the direction of the team is uncertain. Although Donovan signed an extension, a poor start could lead management to make drastic decisions, including his dismissal. If he fails to get the  Chicago Bulls competing for a playoff spot, his position could be at risk. Last season, they again had a losing record of 40-42, marking consecutive seasons with negative records after a 2022-23 record of 39-43. The team started the season with a dismal 5-14 record in the first 19 games. Bettors will be closely watching this club’s start to see if Billy Donovan’s job is in jeopardy according to the NBA ODDS.

2. J.J. Redick – Los Angeles Lakers 

Redick is new on the bench for the Los Angeles Lakers, and the pressure is enormous. The choice of a coach with no professional experience in a high-demand team like Los Angeles can be risky. If the team doesn’t perform at the expected level in a competitive Western Conference, Redick will quickly come under scrutiny. Will the owners, upper management, players, and the passionate fan base have patience in this new venture for a coach who has never led a team anywhere, not even at the collegiate level, let alone in the NBA or its developmental leagues? We’ll see how the NBA ODDS play out for the Lakers.

3. Willie Green – New Orleans Pelicans 

Although Green has led the New Orleans Pelicans to steady improvements, the lack of playoff success is a concern. With a record of 2-8 in their first-round appearances, the goal of avoiding the play-in tournament is clear. However, if he fails to advance in the playoffs this season, he could lose his job. The pressure will also be significant for the coach, as management has made a great effort to strengthen the team, with the arrival of guard Dejounte Murray from the Atlanta Hawks and the expectation of better performances from star players Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram.

4. Doc Rivers – Milwaukee Bucks 

Rivers faces a new challenge with the Milwaukee Bucks after a disappointing season. With stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, expectations are high. If he fails to take the team beyond the second round of the playoffs, his time in Milwaukee could be short-lived. Rivers is an experienced coach but has not fared well in his recent tenures with the Clippers and the Sixers.